"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."

Plato

June 17th, 2187

Gianna Parasini

Gianna's feet were killing her. Wishing that she could go back in time and slap herself silly for accepting Hackett's offer, or better yet, threaten herself at gunpoint before the fact, she ran through a ragged internal list of to do's. What was left?

Oh, yes, Miranda Lawson, that would be painless, but after that there was a nasty bit of business with Commander Ashley Williams. Gianna wished like hell the Council hadn't asked her to be present. As the Secretary General, she understood their position on the matter, even the wisdom of it, but they could hardly expect Williams to take it well. Who could blame her for petitioning the Council for an audience on the matter?

It rankled Gianna that the Batarian standing next to her, a former terrorist, was receiving better treatment than Williams, an alliance hero. Parasini had always hated politicians, now she was one of them. Worse, it was her own machinations that allowed Charn to climb into his current position. Still, she couldn't beat herself up too much; if she hadn't reached out to the Batarian when she did, she'd be a cloud of ash drifting on the solar wind with everyone else.

An internal smile materialized out of a morbid thought. Would it have been so bad, extinction? It wasn't the worst fate she could think of, at least she wouldn't be standing here at the moment with aching feet, listening to the Council drone on. At least in death, there would be no more politicians, no more wars, poverty, or suffering, and above all else, no more goddamn meetings. Maybe the Reapers had it right all along?

'God, you're horrible, Parasini,' she said to herself.

Gianna turned her attention back to the meeting, re-attuning her ears to hear the actual words instead of the usual garble-garble.

"Charn, on behalf of the Citadel Council, I would again like to extend our sincerest appreciation. Your information may have saved all of our lives," said Counselor Tevosa.

Charn bowed. "My gratitude Counselor, it was an honor to be of assistance."

Counselor Osaba, Earth's newest addition to the ruling body, spoke next. "From this day forward, let it be said that humanity extends its hand in friendship to the Batarian people. We pledge our commitment to help your fleets return to Karshan, and to restore your world. Whatever assistance you ask of us will be met with the utmost sincerity in intended fulfillment."

Gianna was scratching her head, figuratively, over Dominic's last phrase. She hoped she'd never learn to talk that way. It was annoying as hell.

Charn turned to her and extended his hand. "And thank you, Madam Secretary, for trusting me."

"You're welcome Charn, she said. You should thank Commander Shepard as well, though she isn't with us anymore. I was familiar with you because of her reports. She seemed to think that you were a reasonable man. That's why I trusted you."

Charn dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Of course," he said. "I suspect we will all be thanking the Commander, each and every day for the rest of our lives; our children as well."

A round of applause erupted from the bystanders.

Sparatus, the Turian Counselor, appreciated the sentiment aloud. "Well said, Charn."

As Charn made his way off the podium, Gianna breathed a sigh of relief. Another down, two more to go. The Council recorder made a note in her digital log before clearing her throat and calling the next order of business.

The recorder's voice blared over the Ascension's intercom. "Miranda Lawson, please approach the seat."

After a slight delay, Miranda Lawson made her way up to the podium and stood next to Gianna. The former Cerberus operative was wearing a plain dress, something befitting a receptionist rather than a soldier. Her left arm, which was set in a simple sling, bore an array of surgical scars and ugly faded bruises. It didn't look quite right. Lawson might have done better for herself by agreeing to an amputation and going with a synthetic limb.

Gianna recalled a blurb in the post-mission report, something that Lawson had told the attending surgeon. "No thanks Doctor, I'm already fake enough."

Counselor Tevosa initiated the hearing. "Miranda Lawson, we've brought you here to acknowledge your part in the events at Lallande Two. The Council appreciates your efforts on behalf of all the races. In addition, it has been brought to our attention that you also aided the Council in the past. This has informed our decision going forward."

Counsel Valern, the Salarian, spoke up. "Due to your past affiliation with Cerberus, an avowed enemy of the Council, and as it turns out, all of galactic civilization, certain constituencies have moved that you be tried as a criminal."

A murmur of disapproval stirred in the crowd. The Turian Counselor raised his hand and called for silence.

Sparatus then spoke on Miranda's behalf. "However, these charges will be summarily dismissed. Going forward, the Human Systems Alliance and the Council considers your record clean of any previous allegiances or infractions. Unfortunately, this does not erase your past, only your record. It is a pity, truly, that you were once associated with the Illusive Man. If you had not chosen that path, it is very likely we would have considered you to serve as a Council Spectre."

Counselor Osaba spoke next. "Ms. Lawson, it is difficult for me to deal with any former Cerberus Operative. I lost my own son to their treachery, but I agree with Sparatus, your actions, upon reflection, have been exemplary. It has come to my attention that the Alliance plans to utilize your skills. My suggestion is that you accord yourself well in their service and never again shall we hear of unseemly associations in regards to your personage."

"Thank you, Counselors," said Miranda. "I promise, that you won't be sorry for your generosity."

Lawson paused. "If I may speak on another matter?"

"Certainly," said Osaba.

"Lt. Rizzi performed beyond all expectations in the field. If you ever have room for a third Human Spectre..."

Tevosa nodded in acknowledgement. "My apologies, perhaps you are not aware. Earlier today, Lt. Commander Susan Rizzi's actions were commended by the Council. She is now under the guidance of one of our recently appointed Spectres and is on the fast track for recruitment. We have need of such skills. I also believe that Alliance Admiralty plans to award her with the Star of Terra."

Miranda seemed quite pleased with the news. "Thank you again, Counselor," she said.

Gianna brushed Miranda's good arm in acknowledgement and dismissed her from the podium. Lawson slowed for a moment.

She spoke softly so that only Gianna could hear her words. "Williams is beside herself, you have your work cut out for you."

'Oh God,' thought Gianna. 'I need this like a hole in the head.'

It wasn't long before Commander Williams made her entrance, in fact, she came strolling in well before the Council recorder announced her. The fury on her face was blinding. Onlookers moved out of her wake as if a horde of Reapers had followed her into the room. Gianna prepared for the worst.

The Human Counselor sought to mitigate the damage by speaking first. "Commander Williams, how may we be of service?"

"You can explain to me WHY you took my ship away!" shouted Williams.

Counselor Osaba, obviously vexed, spoke clearly. "I believe you receive your orders from the Alliance, in regards to the ship assignments. Perhaps the Secretary may be of assistance?"

Aside from her annoyance with Dominic for passing the buck, Gianna was also irritated by the fact that she had no good answer to give to Williams.

Gianna had rehearsed her next words a dozen times. "Commander, as you know, all specific Normandy assignments are classified. We are not allowed to discuss the particulars, other to say that she is currently at a designated area, and will be moving to another area to fulfill the orders of Alliance command."

Ashley glared at Gianna. "I know you, don't I? You're that damn corporate security officer from Noveria, the one that was always preying on Shepard's good graces and conning her into doing your dirty work. Seems about right that someone like you would slink their way into political office."

"You're out of line, Commander Williams," said Counselor Osaba.

Gianna held her anger in check but spoke frankly. "I didn't slink my way into this office Williams, I stepped up and did my duty because I was asked to, because everyone else capable of doing it was murdered by the Reapers."

Commander Williams reacted as if she had received blunt force trauma. She was clearly in a poor emotional state. However, the fire in her eyes did not dissipate. For a brief moment, Gianna thought that the second Human Spectre was going to spit on the Secretary General of the Alliance. It would have been a very bad display in front of the Council races, another sign that Humans could not control themselves any better than the Krogan.

Instead Williams drew herself up and spewed only words. "If you're doing your duty, then why the hell are you taking away my ship? Were you on the Normandy all these months, fighting, bleeding, and dying for the Alliance and the rest of the galaxy?"

Sparatus, who was losing his patience, rebuked Williams. "Commander, it is not up to you to question your orders. A soldier obeys orders, a Spectre obeys orders. The Normandy is no longer under your command. It is as simple as that. You are expected to do your duty, nothing else."

"You son-of-a-bitch!" shouted Williams. "Don't talk to me about orders. If Shepard had listened to your orders, we'd all be dead right now—killed by the machines you claimed didn't exist, that were all a figment of her imagination!"

"Commander Williams!" said Valern. "You are out of line. You should well know how difficult it is to discern the future, to know what the right course of action is. If I recall, did you not question Shepard yourself? Did you not stand in front of my colleagues here and aim a weapon at your former Commander? In light of your past actions, your misguided words ring hypocritical to me."

This was just getting worse. If it was in Gianna's power, she might have forcibly escorted Williams out the door, but she had not the slightest inclination to try it. The Commander was a Spectre, after all. One wrong move and Gianna might end up in the hospital, or dead. Her only recourse was to try to think of a way to defuse the situation.

Sparatus was angered by the Commander's disregard for her superiors, as any Turian would be. "You are a Council Spectre, Williams, I expect you to fall in line. Or are you not capable of that? It does not escape my notice that your Spectre status was achieved under the machinations of a traitor. Perhaps you are not suitable for this position?"

'Oh, sure, Sparatus, real smart. We have a fire getting out of control, and you run up and throw gasoline on it,' thought Gianna.

Ashley glared at the Turian with a look of pure hatred. She was no doubt working up something truly awful to say, when Tevosa changed the whole atmosphere. The Asari Counselor held up her hand, a signal for everyone to be silent. She left her standing, and walked over to Williams.

"Ash," Tevosa said, using an informal address and a quite personal tone. "I take responsibility for this. I should have delivered my decision to you in person."

Commander Williams was surprised by the Asari, and slightly taken aback. She shook her head in confusion, her anger diminishing.

"Why?" asked Williams.

Tevosa spoke in a very soothing, concerned tone. She placed her hand on the Commander's shoulder. "It has nothing to do with your loyalty, or competency, and everything to do with my concern for you. I understand your personal losses. There are difficult times ahead. You are one of our most experienced operatives, but we need you rejuvenated and ready for service."

Williams was out of her element. Her temper began to subside, but she was still defiant. "How do you understand?"

Tevosa sighed. "Do you remember my assistant, the one who worked at the Citadel Embassy, who handled all the diplomatic business in my stead?"

Williams thought for a moment, then answered. "Yes, I used to see her around, she was always in Udina's office. She brought me coffee a few times when I was first appointed as Spectre. She knew just how I liked my coffee, strange, because she never asked. I remember her name, Janiah, her name was Janiah."

Tevosa nodded sadly. "That was Janiah's way, she served. She always made a point to know about the people around her. Janiah was my younger sister. We were quite close. She remained on the Citadel to facilitate Asari and Human Embassy business after the Council went our separate ways to conduct the final stages of the war."

Williams hung her head. "So she was on the Citadel, when..."

"When the Reapers took it, yes," said Tevosa. "Along with your sisters, your mother, and a great many others. We will feel these losses for the rest of our lives. I could not in good conscience, send you on a mission and expect you to survive. Do you understand?"

Williams was caught between anger and shame. "So what are you saying, you took my ship away for my own good?"

Counselor Tevosa sighed. "Ashley, I did not take anything away. We put you on temporary leave at the Council's discretion. Alliance Command assigned the Normandy at their discretion. When you are ready to resume your service to the Council, you will get your own ship again, perhaps even the Normandy.

This situation is only temporary, the rest is up to you, but you do not help your case by storming in here and ranting. I am going to overlook this incident and recommend to your superiors that no disciplinary action be taken, but I expect you to comply with orders, restore yourself, and return to duty. There are times ahead that will test the resolve of all peoples. We will have great need of our Spectres."

Williams saluted. "Yes Ma'am," she said tersely.

"Dismissed, Commander Williams," said Tevosa.

Ashley Williams made her way out of the Council Chambers, passing into the Destiny Ascension's middle deck area. Gianna had never witnessed such political and personal prowess in her life. She had gravely underestimated the Asari Counselor. Gianna took a mental note, realizing that she would have to be extra vigilant and cautious with Tevosa going forward. There would be no fooling her once the Alliance implemented their plans with the Turians and the Krogan. Somehow, she'd have to convince the Asari to get on board before the train left the station.

"That was impressive, Counselor," said Gianna. "I did not think anyone could talk her down."

"But is this the end of it?" asked Sparatus. "I do not understand how a soldier can be so insubordinate, or deluded enough to believe that the galaxy's most advanced warship should be her sole possession."

"It is not the ship," said Tevosa. "It is what the Normandy represents to her. Williams did not just lose her family, she lost her Commanding Officer, the one person who kept her, kept us all sustained with hope for so long. The Normandy is all that she has left of Shepard and it was just taken away from her. I can empathize with her desperation, because I feel the same way. The galaxy still needs hope more than ever, but now the burden falls on us to provide it. Are we up to the task?"

Sparatus dropped his head. "I am ashamed, Counselor, I see it now. I regret my words in retrospect."

"There are difficult times ahead, to be certain," said Valern. "I often have doubts myself. I wonder, shall I ever see Sur'Kesh again?"

The Asari Counselor bowed her head and closed her eyes. "Goddess, give us the strength."